Wednesday, October 17, 2007
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CONTENTS:What’s Under Construction In Coral Gables
Coral Gables Mayor Appointed To International Relations Committee
So You Want To Paint Your House?
Next Week Is Red Ribbon Week In Coral Gables
Gables Gallery Night Gets Kudos From Local Magazine
Junior Orange Bowl Is More Than A Parade
How Do We Communicate?
Traffic
Events Roundup
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What’s Under Construction In Coral Gables >>> Last year, the City of Coral Gables borrowed $4 million to complete a list of capital projects. To date, this funding has provided the sound system upgrade and ADA accessibility of the City Hall Commission Chambers and traffic calming measures on N. Greenway Drive and S. Greenway Drive, Arvida Parkway and Leucadendra Drive, Coral Way and Alhambra Circle, George Allen Avenue and Brooker Street, George Allen Avenue and Oak Avenue and Arvida Parkway and Arvida Lane. Under construction are 16 other traffic calming improvements, the Citywide Sidewalk Program, the renovation of the second floor of the Merrick House and the improvement of the alley on the 300 block of Miracle Mile. Designers and consultants are doing preliminary work on the Water Tower repairs, restoration of Country Club Prado, Biltmore cart path bridges, various ADA upgrades to facilities, the remodeling and relocation of Police lockers and Records Section, structural repairs to Police Department, and the upgrade of the maintenance storage facility Warehouse 1. If you are wondering why the new decorative street lights along LeJeune Road do not have their bottom bases covered, the Florida Department of Transportation is in the process of receiving these bases and should have them all installed by the third week of October.
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Coral Gables Mayor Appointed To International Relations Committee >>> Coral Gables Mayor Don Slesnick has been appointed to the Florida League of Cities International Relations Committee. The role of the Committee is to help Florida cities to get involved in the political, economic and cultural aspects of Florida’s booming international climate. Formed in 1999, the International Relations Committee makes recommendations to the Florida League of Cities Board of Directors on programming and commitment of resources to enhance the involvement of Florida cities in international relations in the areas of economics/trade, tourism, transportation, arts and culture, education, government, democracy, health, sports, technology and sister cities.
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So You Want To Paint Your House? >>> If you are planning to change the paint color of your home, remember that you first must get a painting permit from the City of Coral Gables. No permit is required if you are just touching-up the existing color. A Permit Application package can be obtained at the Building and Zoning Department, third floor, 405 Biltmore Way, between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. If you are planning to paint your home with a pre-approved color by the City of Coral Gables, the painting permit can be issued immediately as no review is needed. Any brand of paint can be used as long as the color matches the color listed on the permit. If the color is not in the pre-approved paint color list, the applicant must submit an application for review and approval by the Board of Architects prior to receiving the permit. The Board of Architects meets every Thursday beginning at 8 a.m. The deadline to apply for Board review is the Wednesday prior to the Board meeting date by 12 noon. For more information, call the City of Coral Gables Board of Architects at 305-460-5238. To view the list of pre-approved paint colors, click here.
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Next Week Is Red Ribbon Week In Coral Gables >>> Pick up your red ribbon at Coral Gables City Hall and wear it proudly the week of October 23-31 to show your support for “Red Ribbon Campaign Week” in the City of Coral Gables. The Red Ribbon Campaign is now the oldest and largest drug prevention program in the nation reaching millions of young people who have the courage to say “no” to drugs. The campaign started when drug traffickers in Mexico City murdered DEA agent Kiki Camarena in 1985. Agent Camarena believed that one person would make a difference. His sacrifice serves as a catalyst to encourage others to make a visible commitment to eradicating drug abuse from our homes, schools, communities and nation. Sponsored by the National Family Partnership, the Red Ribbon Campaign presents a unified and visible commitment towards the creation of a drug-free America.
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Gables Gallery Night Gets Kudos From Local Magazine >>> Congratulations to the organizers of Gables Gallery Night for the selection of the event as the “Best Way to Introduce Older Kids to Art” by South Florida Parenting Magazine. Selected by an advisory board for a “Kids Crown Award 2007,” Gables Gallery Night is a popular monthly event launched in 1980 by gallery owner Virginia Miller drawing world-wide attention. The event attracts as many as 3,000 visitors the first Friday of each month who come to Downtown Coral Gables at night to admire art exhibitions. For more information, contact the Coral Gables Gallery Association at 305-444-4493.
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Junior Orange Bowl Is More Than A Parade >>> If you think that the festivities of the Junior Orange Bowl International Youth Festival is just a parade on New Year’s eve, think again. A number of activities are taking place, beginning this month through November and December. Young ladies, ages 12-14, can compete for the chance to become the 2007-2008 Junior Orange Bowl Queen. The Royal Court Search for a Queen and Princesses will be held on Saturday, October 27 at the Miami Elks Lodge 948 on 10301 S.W. 72 Street. Other planned activities include golf, tennis, basketball, bowling, and chess championships plus caroling and creative writing competitions. For a list of all the exciting events, and how to participate, click here.
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How Do We Communicate? >>> The City of Coral Gables would like to know what you think about its communication program and vehicles. To participate, simply log on to the City’s homepage and complete the on-line survey titled “How Do We Communicate?” The information gathered will help the City evaluate the effectiveness of all external communications. To go directly to the survey, click here.
Don’t forget to listen to GABLES Radio 1620 AM on your car radio!
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Traffic >>> Le Jeune Road between S.W. 16 Street and South Dixie Highway: Florida Department of Transportation has completed its Le Jeune Road Project.
> Alleys behind Miracle Mile: Crews are work on making the alleys more functional for pedestrians and cars. The Public Works Department is improving or adding drainage systems in the alleys and later repaving the entire alleyway. Crews have completed work on the 300 block of Miracle Mile and are making their way east one block at a time.
> Avenues between Durango and Toledo Streets: Contractors working for the Public Works Department will be working on the drainage system on Calbira, Tendilla, Escobar, Roderigo, Andres and Algaringo Avenues which are bordered by Durango Street to the east and Toledo Street to the west. Once the drainage system has been improved, crews will repave the road. This project is expected to begin in the near future.
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Events Roundup >>> Here is a partial list of upcoming cultural events in Coral Gables. Please call ahead to confirm, as dates and times may change. For a complete list of events in Coral Gables, click here.
Ongoing: The historic Merrick House, the family home of Coral Gables founder George Merrick, is open to the public on Wednesdays and Sundays for tours at 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m. The tour of this charming home built of coral rock, still home to the artwork and early possessions of the Merrick family, lasts about 45 minutes. Tickets are $5 for adults; $3 for senior citizens (ages 65+) and students with ID; $1 for children ages 6-12, and free for children ages 5 and under. The Merrick House, a remarkable example of South Florida architecture, is located at 907 Coral Way. For more information, call 305-460-5095.
First Friday of The Month: Art lovers flock to Coral Gables the first Friday of every month for Gallery Night. Boasting dozens of galleries, Coral Gables is the premier destination for art and cultural events. The City offers free trolley service to most of the galleries locations from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Some galleries may feature musicians for your entertainment. For a list of art galleries in Coral Gables, click here.
Mondays, Thursdays & Saturdays: Promote relaxation after a hard days work with the gentle postures and breathing techniques of Yoga. Basic Yoga is offered at the Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center Mondays and Thursdays from 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Create harmony in your body, mind and spirit. Members pay $11 for a single class or $41 for four classes, residents pay $15 per class or $55 for four classes, and non-residents pay $19 per class or $69 for four classes. The Youth Center is located at 405 University Drive. For more information, call 305-460-5600.
Mondays: The Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center is offering a special yoga class just for seniors. Yoga for Seniors is meant to build strength, flexibility, balance and coordination in the older generation. The class is held on Mondays from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. in the classroom next to the Fitness Center. Wear comfortable clothing, don’t eat two hours prior to the class and bring a towel. Registration is required at the front desk before attending the class. The Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center is located at 405 University Drive. Classes cost $11 for members or $41 for a series of four classes. Residents pay $15 per class or $55 for four classes. Non-residents pay $19 a class or $69 for four classes. Call 305-460-5600 for more information.
October 17: Experience a free play reading directed by Florida Stage’s Javier Chacin at 7 p.m. hosted by New Theatre. The play Skin in Flames, written by Guillem Clua, deals with the personal and political issues that collide when two very different people meet in the same hotel room. New Theatre is located at 4120 Laguna Street. For more information, call 305-443-5909.
October 19: Parents, go on a date while the Coral Gables Parks and Recreation Department takes care of your kids. Drop off your child at the Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center on Friday at 7 p.m. and enjoy the night while the children, ages 5 through 14, have a Sleep-over Party. Parents can pick up children on Saturday at 9 a.m. This event is offered to parents every third Friday of the month at a cost of $27 for members, $36 for residents, and $45 for all others. For more information, call 305-460-5600 or click here.
October 19: Show your support for the Coral Gables Citizens Crime Watch Program by attending the Coral Gables Citizens Crime Watch Annual Awards Luncheon. The Guest Speaker will be State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle. Proceeds from the event will go to crime watch programs in the community. The event will be held at the Country Club of Coral Gables at 12 p.m., 997 North Greenway Drive. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. Tickets for the luncheon are $35 per person and reservations are required. For more information, contact Pat Kiel at 305-441-5760.
October 20: Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is always looking for volunteers with special skills. A Volunteer Information Day will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Corbin Building at the garden located at 10901 Old Cutler Road. This is a great opportunity to share your skills and love of nature with the rest of the community. For more information, call Julie at 305-667-1651, extension 3364.
October 20 – 30: The Frost School of Music at the University of Miami presents its 24th Gala Season of Festival Miami. The festival, which ends on November 10th, boasts a wide range of musical talent. Some of the upcoming concerts include the popular Latin band Hansel y La Orquesta Calle Ocho, Bergonzi String Quartet, David Grover and the Big Bear Band, the Paris Trio and much more. For a complete list of events and ticket information, call 305-284-4940 or click here. All concerts will be held at Maurice Gusman Hall, 1314 Miller Drive.
October 22 – 26: Every year, the Coral Gables Fire Department participates in an annual Children’s Fire Safety Festival held during Fire Prevention Month. Various municipalities from Miami-Dade County join forces to give students from first through fifth grade information on how to stay safe in a very interactive and fun atmosphere. This year, the Coral Gables Fire Department has the honor of hosting the festival which will be held at the Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center, 405 University Drive. Children from schools throughout the county will be attending the festival learning valuable safety techniques which they then teach their parents. Children in the community are encouraged to attend the festival. Please call Laura Rodriguez at 305-460-5576 for more information on this free event or to schedule a time to bring your child.
October 23: New Acropolis Cultural Association is offering the new course Comparative Philosophy and Volunteer Work: Learn, Experience, Apply. This 12-week program includes ecological volunteering, relaxation techniques and music therapy, astronomy nights and much more. Classes start on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. at New Acropolis Cultural Association, 320 Miracle Mile, second floor. Tuition costs $125 and $90 with student ID. For more information, call 305-461-5758 or click here.
October 24 – November 26: The University of Miami is showcasing the research, drawings and projects produced during semester-long sojourns in Rome, Italy. The exhibition titled Three Romes will be open to the public starting on Wednesday at 8 p.m. during a reception and walking tour. The exhibit is open to the public Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Jorge M. Perez Architecture Center, 1215 Dickinson Drive. UM has maintained a presence in Rome through its students and faculty for 16 years. On Monday, Professor Richard John will continue the university’s focus on Rome with a discussion titled “The Pantheon: A Flawed Masterpiece?” to be held at the Architecture Center’s Glasgow Hall at 6 p.m. For more information, contact Carolyn White at 305-284-5002.
October 27: Sunday Afternoons of Music for Children will start its 22nd Season with a special Saturday
edition. David Grover & The Big Bear Band will be offering a special family
concert at 3 p.m. The concert will involve audience participation such as clap-a-longs and sing-a-longs.
Tickets for adults cost $12, tickets for children cost $10. For more information or to purchase tickets,
call 305-284-4940.
October 27: Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden will turn into a spooky and ghoulish
garden for the first ever Halloween Bash. The frightful fun starts at 7:30 p.m.
until 11:30 p.m. Enjoy a party filled with music, food and a costume contest at a cost of $85 for
Fairchild members, $100 for non-members and $150 for VIP admission. All guests must be 21 years of
age or older. Fairchild is located at 10901 Old Cutler Road. For more information or to purchase
tickets, click here.
October 27: Need a place to trick or treat? Come out to Coral Gables own Haunted
Swamp, aka Venetian Pool. Children can compete in a pumpkin carving contest, experience
the Mad Scientist Lab and much more. Bring your bucket to trick or treat around the facility. The
event takes place from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at a cost of $5 per child. Venetian Pool is located 2701
De Soto Boulevard. For more information, call 305-460-5306.
October 31: Shop on Miracle Mile by day and get candy by night. Celebrate the 10th Annual Halloween on the Mile from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Not only will merchants on the Mile hand out treats to children, participate in a costume contest, scavenger hunt, a Haunted House and much more. All activities are free and open to the public. The Haunted House starts at 5 p.m. For more information, call 305-569-0311.
October 31: The Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center has something for every member of your family this Halloween. The terrifying Nightmare on 405 Haunted House is sure to give you a scare of a lifetime while younger children can smile the night away at the Halloween Carnival which includes a bounce house, carnival games and costume contest. The fun starts at 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Carnival tickets cost 50¢ and the admission to the Haunted House is $3. For more information, call 305-460-5600.
November 5 – December 21: There are several classes being offered for seniors at the Coral
Gables Adult Activity Center. The fall session of classes includes learning to create Mosaics,
Floral Arranging, Knitting or Crocheting and Spanish classes. It’s never too late
to learn a new craft. All classes will be taught at the Adult Activity Center located at University
Baptist Church, 624 Anastasia Avenue. Courses range in price from $7 to $44. For more information
or to register, call 305-460-5609 or go to the Registration Office located at the War Memorial Youth
Center.
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